Kuznetsov Oleg Vasilyevich, general director of expert institute

— In future, gas energy industry will be replaced by nuclear and coal energy industries

Last year there were many conversations among the specialists about the necessity of Russia’s energy strategy updating. They are closely connected with the energy crisis which had already faced Moscow last winter. Next winter according to some governors’ reports 16 regions will have to face such an energy crisis. The conversation is also connected with the statements of some politicians, in particular German Gref, who said that, the country stays at the threshold of gas deficiency. Besides, a number of highlight declarations on the development of energy industry has been made this year. For instance, the president has approved the concept of the nuclear industry development, which presumes the increase of nuclear energy share starting from the present 15 up to 25% of the total energy balance of the country.

— What are the ways for the development of Russian energy industry?

— Do you remember Mendeleyev’s words that burning oil is the same as burning stocks? The same thing is with gas. Burning gas is both expensive and unreasonable. Nuclear and coal power industry will soon replace gas power industry. However, it is impossible to burn coal using the old technology. As far as I know, existing technologies of preliminary processing of coal are applied in such a manner that its use for energy production does not produce so many harmful emissions.

However, it seems to me, that “the same destiny” is awaiting coal fuel in future, which will comprehend oil and gas. It will become a raw material for chemical and other industries. Therefore, from the point of view of the remote future the perspectives of nuclear fuel are much better.